News 4/10/09

Deputy returns from trainingA Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy just got back from 13 weeks of peace-officer training at the IowaLawEnforcementAcademy last week. Deputy Justin Kingrey says the training covered criminal law and motor vehicle classes, defensive tactics, firearms, driving and other training.

City likely to modify special deer huntThe city of Pella deer hunt is likely to return for another season. This was the first year the city had sanctioned an archery hunt in an attempt to control the deer population. Six does were harvested during the season, according to the Pella Police Department. As a result, the program could be modified. City Administrator Mike Nardini says this could include greater incentives for hunters and a shorter season in BigRockPark to address concerns by the Park Board.

Turkey season approachesTurkey season starts soon. A two-day youth hunt begins Saturday with the regular season to start April 13. Marion County Conservation Officer John Mertz says turkey hunting has become a popular sport in the area. He stresses the importance of safety and says hunters must be aware of their surroundings and certain of their target.

City could be eligible for sewer project loanThe city of Knoxville might be receiving over $1 million in a forgivable loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, or SRF. Knoxville City Manager Dick Schrad says the state has been receiving federal stimulus dollars for the SRF a program the city applied for to receive lower interest loans for state-mandated relief-sewer projects and Knoxville could be eligible for the forgivable loan. Schrad says although nothing in certain, the forgivable loan could mean the city wouldnt have to act on planned sewer rate increases.

Council waives license fees for some vendorsIn order to attract more people to the downtown, the Knoxville City Council voted earlier this week to waive license fees for vendors putting on events on the square, such as Ag in the City, Living Windows and Bike Nite. That’s according to Knoxville City Manager Dick Schrad. In related news, Schrad says the council will consider removing the $525 fee out-of-town vendors pay during the week of the Knoxville Nationals, and going back to the annual fee of $105.

CDC to consider Applebee’s design permit next weekThe Pella Community Development Committee will hold a special meeting next week to consider a design permit for a new Applebee’s restaurant. The permit was originally on the agenda for a meeting this week, but Planning and Zoning Director George Wesselhoft says the architect was unable to attend.

Another furlough day at the courthouseIts another state court furlough day Friday in the Marion County Courthouse as the state court offices will be closed because of state budget cuts. The state offices on the third and fourth floors of the MarionCounty courthouse will be closed, with the rest of the courthouse open as usual. In addition, the third and fourth floor courthouse offices are closed at 2:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

Registration open for Klompen ClassicGet the running shoes out of the closet. The Klompen Classic is less than a month away. The 5K Walk/Run is the unofficial kick-off to Tulip Time. Race Director Julie Johnson with Crossroads of Pella says more than 190 people have registered for the event. Johnson says theyre preparing for about 2,000 participants as last year they had more than 1,800. Registration information is available online at www.crossroadspella.org.

DOT issues reminder about farm machinery on the roadwaysAs MarionCounty farmers head back into their fields, drivers need to use caution around farm equipment on area roads. That’s according to the Iowa Department of Transportation, which tells KNIA/KRLS News that drivers cant assume the equipment operator will move aside to let them pass, while farmers should drive slow-moving vehicles in the right hand lane as close to the edge of the roadway as safely possible.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection is SaturdayMarionCounty residents can dispose of their Household Hazardous Waste at a special collection Saturday. The collection will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pella Public Works Complex at 100 Truman Road. According to Public Works, residents can drop-off a variety of items such as lawn chemicals, oven cleaners, rechargeable batteries and cell phones.